Everything You Need to Know About Hydroponic Arugula
If you’re starting a commercial hydroponic greenhouse, leafy greens are an excellent crop to grow. They’re particularly easy to adapt to a hydroponic system, full of nutrition, and popular with consumers too. One leafy green that many hydroponic growers choose is arugula.
Arugula adds a delicious peppery punch to salads and sandwiches. It’s exceptionally easy for new growers to master and can be harvested again and again from the same plant. Here are some tips on how to grow arugula to achieve the best hydroponic arugula yield.
How to Grow Arugula
When grown outside, arugula is typically planted in early spring or late summer. Remember that this leafy green prefers a cooler temperature, and take that into consideration when growing it hydroponically.
Arugula seeds should germinate for seven to ten days, preferably in a cool temperature around 65° F. Ensure they get plenty of light as soon as they begin to sprout. Growing time is typically 35-40 days from seed, but the leaves may be harvested before the plant is fully mature.
After germination, aim for a water pH level between 6.0 and 7.5. Give your arugula plants about 12 hours of light per day and ensure you use a nutrient solution with plenty of nitrogen for optimal yield. Starting around four weeks, pinch off 2-3” baby leaves around the outside of the plant, leaving several in the center to continue growing.
How to Use Arugula
Arugula is a salad favorite and is often featured in “mixed greens” packages at the grocery store, but there are plenty of other ways to use this versatile crop. Consider adding it to pizza or baked potatoes, layering it into a sandwich, adding it to your favorite roasted veggies, or tossing it with pasta. It’s best served raw and is a very tender leaf, so it will cook far quicker than heartier veggies. Add it at the end of cooked dishes, or even as the meal is plated for best effect. No matter how you choose to serve arugula, it’s sure to add a mild kick to your favorite dishes.
Arugula Nutrition Facts
One reason arugula is best served raw is that this preserves its best health benefits. It’s full of antioxidants and glucosinates, two beneficial compounds that are beneficial for anyone. Some claim that arugula can help fight inflammation, and its high level of Vitamin K is good for your bones and particularly helpful in preventing osteoporosis. It may even help prevent certain cancers and reduce your risk of developing diabetes or heart disease.
Other vitamins and minerals found in arugula include:
Calcium
Folate
Iron
Magnesium
Potassium
Vitamin A
Vitamin C
A cup of arugula contains only five calories, about half a gram of protein, and less than 0.15 grams of fat.